Los Angeles - Black Maria Gallery announces the opening of the annual exhibition, “Black Market at Black Maria: Skip the Mall.” It will feature new and recent works by 19 artists, as well as unusual merchandise. The exhibition will run from November 18, 2006 till January 4, 2007.

The show will carry a bazaar theme, mixing art with distinctive objects: from a unique and colorful array of products such as clothing, books, prints, dolls, and household items to diverse art pieces placed on clothing racks and shoe boxes. In keeping with the shopping mall theme, patrons will also be able to take with them whatever they purchase, just as they would in a store.

“Shopping at malls and department stores is a serialized and generic experience, which numbs the actual pleasure of shopping associated with surprise and discovery. The idea is to both poke fun at the cosmopolitan shopping experience and, on a serious note, remind ourselves of the rewards of appreciating and owning great art and objects of beauty. Our upcoming exhibition is an attempt to offer a vibrant, over-the-top counterpoint to the often oppressive mall setting. It’s our way of breaking down the wall between the elitism hovering over art galleries and the sheer joy of shopping for its own sake. We’d like our patrons to feel that shopping for a wonderful painting can be as emotionally and spiritually satisfying as stumbling on a sexy dress or a striking piece of home furnishing,” said Black Maria director, Zara Zeitountsian.

Black Maria is located at 3137 Glendale Boulevard in Atwater Village. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Sunday 12 to 6 PM or by appointment. Tel: 818.613.9090.